Do you have that place that symbolizes "getting away?" That one place you really feel like you are free from the phone, email, blogs?

Mine is North Myrtle Beach. Been going there since high school. No matter how long the 15 hour trip feels, entering NMB city limits changes me. As if a drain opens and all the pressure of pastoring runs away. If I can get even one good day of sand, waves, and sun, it takes me to a new level of relaxation. So different from Indiana.

Prayer with God during my getaway time is different, more freeflow, less routine. Books read on a reclining chair while hearing crashing waves are just better. Even when the sand gets between the pages.

Vacation. Needful. Restful. Helpful. I heard a funny one about a kid asking why pastors take off some Sundays for vacation. His mother said if he is a good preacher, he deserves time off, and if he isn't, the church does...

Please take time off. Spend it with family. Really get away. Try to do it at least annually. Maybe the same place or in the same way, to get that same mental release. Stay away long enough to really be away.

Throw in a last minute sightseeing trip like we did. Visit friends who live near your vacation spot (We did that! Thanks Drew and Rebekah for such a great time!).

Time to fire up the engines now. On with pressing matters. But I'm ready. Been "away."